Kelowna restaurant closes, says implemented wage increases too high

Monday, March 11 was the last day to walk into the storefront to order fresh gelato or a warm meal.

“From the bottom our hearts we would like to thank all of you who have supported and believed in our vision to introduce something a little different to Kelowna. We hope that we have made a small difference in this beautiful city,” said Alessandro De Angelis in an Instagram post.

De Angelis announced this wouldn’t be the last Kelowna will see of Il Tavolino, as they will transform into the Il Tavolino Catering Co. and will continue to offer private chef services, cooking parties and Taste of Italy pop-up dinners.

“Over the last two years, it has become more and more difficult to make a financially viable go of it. The cost of doing business is going up. Whether it is food costs, new taxes or hastily implemented wage increases imposed by the provincial government, it is becoming much harder to contend in this small but competitive market,” said De Angelis in an Instagram post.